Director Fang Li’s new film, "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru", brings to light the untold tale of heroism when a World War II ship went down off Zhejiang province on the Chinese mainland. In an intimate interview with CGTN’s Mike Walter, Fang Li shares how eight years of research and creativity reshaped a fading chapter in history.
Background at sea: In 1942, the Japanese vessel Lisbon Maru was transporting 1,816 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan when it was struck by torpedoes launched by an American submarine off Dongji Island in Zhejiang province on the Chinese mainland. Caught between sinking decks and Japanese gunfire, the POWs faced a dire choice: stay aboard or jump into treacherous waters.
Risking their own lives, local fishermen from Zhejiang launched daring rescue missions. Armed with nothing more than wooden boats and sheer courage, they ferried dozens of survivors to safety, earning a place in history that Fang Li felt compelled to honor on film.
Behind the scenes: "Recreating those moments wasn’t just about ships and battles," Fang Li tells Walter. "It was about capturing resilience and compassion." Drawing from archives, survivor testimonies, and coastal folklore, he blended dramatic reenactments with documentary footage to strike an emotional chord with global audiences.
Fang Li also delved into broader reflections on war. He notes the thin line between enemy and ally, and how ordinary people can become beacons of humanity even in conflict. His film invites viewers to consider the shared values that transcend borders and generations.
For young global citizens, the story resonates as a reminder that empathy and action can echo through history. Entrepreneurs and innovators can draw lessons in perseverance, while travelers will appreciate Zhejiang’s coastal heritage. Most importantly, "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru" underscores that powerful narratives—grounded in data and personal accounts—have the power to inspire change.
As the film reaches festivals worldwide, Fang Li hopes audiences will carry forward the fishermen’s legacy of courage and care in today’s interconnected world.
Reference(s):
Interview with Fang Li, Director of "The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru"
cgtn.com
